"Look, isn't that sir Shao Zhang, the 13th ranked Conferred Sword Knights dubbed by his majesty?"
"You don't need to look again to make sure. Because he is Sir Shao Zhang, the Bombarding Swordsman!"
"I heard a rumor that Sir Ming and sir Shao had bad blood between them ever since sir Ming took the 12th rank from him. Don't tell me he's going to make a fuss around now with a glass of wine to trigger it all?"
"Not necessarily, milady. I do think that there were some inconsistencies involving that sir Ming took the 12th rank from him."
"Indeed. After all, despite his incomparable talent that we may not see for another 10 generations, sir Ming is still in Power Core realm while as sir Shao is already a Holy Saint Daoist! In terms of cultivation level, sir Shao definitely tops sir Ming's Sword Prowess."
The appearance of this newcomer had triggered a sensational murmuring amongst the crowds. And all their gazes landed on these two individuals facing off. Expecting an unexpected show might actually take place.
The man who had just suddenly appeared looked to be young and impressively dignified. Clad by the same military uniform Tyrant was wearing, his presence was immediately established as another member of the 30 Conferred Sword Knights.
However, if one were to notice anything different about this dignified man who looked no older than 20, was not his devilishly sharp hairstyle that attracts the aesthetic senses everyone around him, but it was the faintly green aura that shrouds every corner of his bearing.
Because, his aura, was very blunt. Despite being also a Holy Saint Daoist.
Auras exuded by individuals don't necessarily reflect the individual's personality. But for most cases, auras typically do reflect personalities ranging from the oppressive aura of a domineering tyrant, to the mercilessly killing intent of a psychopath who lacks empathy. And because of that, people tend to analyze people first by their appearance.
Simply put, people like or dislike other people by judging other people's exuded auras as they assess the other's cultivation level. And this particular man before Ben Li exuded an aura so blunt that no one would presume him a Sword Daoist who naturally possessed sharp auras like Ming Jian Ming.
And naturally, people would presume this man would have a brusque attitude as well, contrary to his dignified appearance.
"Shao Zhang..." Ben Li narrowed his eyes into slits as his gaze landed on him. "What brings you here?"
"What brings me here?" Shao Zhang questioned him back with a frown on his face as if he heard something odd. Then finally said. "I came here because I wanted my share of the great wine brother Tyrant specially gifted to me for tonight's party.
"But even before I got to taste my share, the first thing I saw is you unabashedly taking my wine before my very eyes. Naturally, given that it's mine, I took from your hands before you shamelessly drink it before the masses to see."
"It's... Yours..." Ben Li's eyelids couldn't help but twitch for a bit as his composed expression became stiffened.
He was being wronged here. And how could the people here not see the obviousness?
But they don't seem to particularly care and even Tyrant who sat in his leisure, just drank his wine while he ignored what's going on. Totally avoiding the gazes landing on him.
"Indeed." said Shao Zhang proudly and dignified. As if nothing was wrong with him stating the facts he fabricated. However, if one were to observe closely, one may see that he... Was expecting something.
Somehow, Ben Li really wanted to hit this guy so much that if he didn't do it right now, it might affect his Mental Cultivation. However, because Shao Zhang was provoking him to the point he wanted to get hit was exactly what he wanted.
And to Ben Li who was analyzing Ming Jian Ming's memories of this man with dignified bearings, he couldn't help but shiver in disgust.
The Heaven and Earth was vast as a million oceans combined. And all sorts of people were living and breathing all around the world, like an infested army of ants that just won't go extinct, ranging from the common, the rare to the absolutely unique. And in Shao Zhang's case, he was a rare guy to meet. Very, very rare indeed.
That was because, Shao Zhang, a rumored heroic yet sadistic Sword Daoist, was actually a full-blown Masochist.
Yes, that's right. A masochist. Not a joke. Yet, it kinda is. And he is a masochist who finds joy in his own sufferings.
A masochist who has a tendency to provoke his comrades to beat him up in front of the public eyes as he willingly surrenders to his demise happily, and suffer the exhilarating humiliation to unreservedly enjoy the suffering of the embarrassment.
Everyone will mock him for a fool, everyone will treat him like a fool, and everyone will be a fool like him. And he will love it to death... Sorry, getting too dark...
But anyways, Shao Zhang liked getting beaten up in public to the point that it's getting fetish. But no one actually knows he has a fetish for masochism... Except for Ming Jian Ming unfortunately.
It was a time where she was truly unlucky. And even wished she had never met this guy or had him killed in the very beginning.
Perhaps it was a decade ago, Ming Jian Ming met this dignified man swinging a very blunt sword in the training ground and had a sparring duel with him.
They sparred ferociously for victory as their swordplays danced in the arena and left them both gravely injured. In the end, Ming Jian Ming emerged dazzlingly victorious while Shao Zhang, had taking a liking to Ming Jian Ming beating him up. And since then, he had been pulling these stunts in public to provoke her.
And because of that, she naturally became aware of his ulterior motives. Which by the end of the day, earned her repulse.
And now, he was asking for it.
What oh what is Ben Li going to do?
Well, according to the script, Ming Jian Ming would talk some sense to him for a bit before beating him up that he won't be able to stand from his bed with his balls crippled for umpteenth time.
But would Ben Li ever acquiesce to the discreet demands of a secretive masochist?
Well, if the masochist were a lady, then Ben Li will happily be obliged to her demands willingly even if they were going too far that Fifty Shades of Grey can't compete with.
But the masochist is man. So, hell no to the hell-zone bro.
So, Ben Li just shrugged his hands and said nonchalantly. "Okay, the wine's yours, comrade Shao."
And just like that, Ben Li acted like he wasn't offended by the least and began to walk away.
While Ben Li did suspect that the Purple Wine might be memento of the memories playing, he began to deem that it wasn't the case and the memento was somewhere else around the palace grounds.
To why he says that, well that was simple, who in their right minds would want to label the moment when a pervert took your wine glass to provoke you as a memorable moment?
Definitely not Ming Jian Ming of course.
And besides, who wanted to fight over some wine that was believed to have been made from some Demonic jizz-bath that has no approval seal from the World Health Organization?
Definitely not Ming Jian Ming of course.
"... Eh?" Shao Zhang was taken aback for a bit and blinked at Ben Li's backside getting farther and farther.
"Wait!" Shao Zhang called out him with his hand stretched out and said as he glared at him. "Ming Jian! Don't you dare walk away from me!"
'Holy shit, bro. Don't raise a flag here!' Ben Li shuddered in disgust and paced faster out of here. But it wasn't until a cold harrumphed resounded behind did a blockade of dazzling Swordlights intercepted his path. Blocking him from his escape.
Ben Li stopped in his tracks, turned around, and faced Shao Zhang with solemn look.
"Comrade Shao, what is the meaning of this?" asked Ben Li calmly.
"What is the meaning, you ask? Ming Jian, you have no idea that you had offended me, have you?" said Shao Zhang, looking indignant. "The first thing you do was take someone's share of wine without consent from the true owner. Then when I came here to claim back what is mine, you there just stood stupefied and even dared to walk away without apologizing! This is most unforgivable and as your former senior, I will not accept your behavior!"
As he spoke, his blunt aura surged out in a mild manner. Now as he finished talking, he took out a sheathed sword out of nowhere, held it imposingly in his hand and his blunt aura intensified like a broken dam unleashed. Repelling away all impurities as his aura formed like an impregnable wall of symmetrically stacked blunt-sided swords from all sides of his position.
"Sir Ming Jian Ming of the 30 Conferred Sword Knights, 12th ranked wielder of the Sword of Redemption, this knight, sir Shao Zhang of the 30 Conferred Sword Knights, wielder of the Sword of Perseverance, challenges you again to another Damocles Duel!"
"Oohhh!!!" the crowd went in an uproar and burst cheering as they expected a show.
Meanwhile, the other Conferred Sword Knights hiding themselves in the void, couldn't help but frown in indignation and lamented that a guy like Shao Zhang was associated with them.
Tyrant one of those Knights who liked the attention but when things get out of hand like Shao Zhang challenging Ming Jian Ming to another duel, for the umpteenth time, even he would start getting agitated from the embarrassment.
He then began conversing with Shao Zhang through telepathic communication. "Why the hell are you pulling this stunt again, bro?! I thought we talk about this already? Why are provoking Ming now?!"
"This knight was not the instigator of this unfortunate predicament, comrade Tyrant." Shao Zhang spoke back with telepathically. "It was Ming Jian again who tried to provoke me by taking my wine from me and now he won't apologize for it. That was another form of harassment, comrade! And I will not willingly stand for this as he gets away unpunished!"
"Bullshit!" Tyrant scoffed back at his self-righteous delusions. "You and I and every fucking one in this whole room knows that that fucking wine was for bro Ming! What are you blabbering like a brothel manager for claiming what's rightfully yours?! If there was anything that's rightfully yours, it be the bullshit you keep spouting to get yourself pummeled over and over again!
"You may wield the Sword of Perseverance, but you are persevering the wrong way and literally butchering the meaning of Perseverance! In fact, no one perseveres like you do, you worthless piece of horse dung!"
"Ahh..." Shao Zhang let out a soft grunt as he heard Tyrant's insulting words and was concealing the fact that he was aroused.
More... Insult me more!!!
Meanwhile, Ben Li stood where he stood and faced Shao Zhang fearlessly. His gaze was profound, deep and solemn. His gaze pierced like two sharp swords stabbing through Shao Zhang's impregnable aura and saw multiple flaws in his Sword aura using the talent belonging to Ming Jian Ming herself.
With one glance, she already knew how to cripple Shao Zhang.
With one look, she had already Shao Zhang.
That is the amazing talent she has for the way of the Sword.
With a glance, flaws appear. The talent of a millennial genius!
And Ben Li was... not impress by it since he was too repulsed by Shao Zhang beyond recognition!
He did not know what face to make other than this solemn look of his as if he understood the gravity of this planet can determine its circumference. Or vice-versa perhaps.
God, I have seen more fucked up people in anime but even I can relate to their issues. What your deal anyway, freak?! Don't you see that there is a time and a place for to throttle your fetishes on Pornhub?! No, scratch that. Even Pornhub would be disgusted by you...
Despite Ben Li using Ming Jian Ming's impeccable talent, he could not comprehend how this dude got infected with masochism.
Perhaps there is a disease that causes a person to turn abnormal in this world that he wasn't aware of.
Ben Li looked at Shao Zhang again and fell into silent contemplation.
It wasn't some miracle or fluke how Shao Zhang was dubbed as a member of the 30 Conferred Sword Knights. In fact, if one were to ignore the fact he was a masochist, then his heroic records were also astonishing. Astonishing enough that it could even compare to Ming Jian Ming's.
And if he wasn't a masochist, then Shao Zhang would have been a wonderful comrade to have and appreciated as he had inspired the masses to persevere forward to the future.
But alas, he was masochist. And liked getting pummeled very, very much.
After a long thought that lasted only a second since Shao Zhang stopped talking, Ben Li stepped forward with his gaze frozen solemn.
"Alright, I accept your challenge."
"What?!" Tyrant was bewildered and accidentally let out a surprised voice. He hurriedly sent telepathic messages to Ben Li hoping to dissuade him but he was too late as he saw Ben Li grabbing a single-edged long sword out of nowhere and held it dauntingly in his hand.
Tyrant just sighed away and gave Ben Li a warning. "Don't go overboard. Despite his outrageous harassments, Shao Zhang is still one of us, a respectable Sword Daoist through and through. Remember not to break the Bro Laws, alright? Goodluck."
"Don't worry." said Ben Li as he reassured him. "I'll just mess him up for a bit that he'll be bedridden for weeks after this party is over." Then he elegantly brandishes his long sword and drew arcs that gave him the image that he had wings that flap.
What Ben Li had gripped was a finely forged, long single-edged sword about 50 inches long named, the Sword of Redemption. Colored metallic silver hue from the bottom of the handle all the way to the tip, the long sword was especially coated with silver dust all over its blade. Giving it a marvelous brilliance that that reflected countless silver stars in the solid sea of metal.
It was as if this long sword was forged out of a sea of stars that was magically turned into a lump of indestructible metal.
The sword did not enhance nor amplify Ben Li's sword aura like how Shao Zhang's sword converted his aura into a stack of blunt swords that formed a wall. It didn't even amplify his physical attributes or anything else in particular. In fact, him drawing the sword did absolutely nothing to make him a bit stronger of tougher or even raise a bit of his perception abilities. In fact, the only thing it did was make him look awesome.
Yet, when this sword appeared, everyone around the area, seemed to have instinctively shudder all of a sudden. In fact, they could even feel their hearts had been stabbed by a long sword. Making it harder to beat in trepidation as it lingers under the apprehensive appearance of the sword of Redemption. Even Holy Saint Daoists like Tyrant, Shao Zhang and others hiding within the Void, couldn't guard their hearts strong enough and were under the mercy of Ben Li's attack... Except for Shao Zhang and most ladies who were enjoying the arousal of having their hearts pierced.
I am Redemption.
I am the cleanser of all evil.
My will shall eliminate the sins lingering within the hearts.
All sinners, die for justice!
While as for Shao Zhang's thick, blunt sword was finely forged sword that was as brilliant as Ben Li's Redemption. Jade white in color and material, the Sword of Perseverance. Although it doesn't appear to have any uniqueness just like the coating of silver dust on Redemption, however, it does seem to exude vigorous Willpower that can repel impatience and despair. As if the sword had withstood the arduous tempering of the world. Remained itself a blunt lump of metal, unmoldable forever.
And as the crowd looked over the sword, the felt a wave of patience and hope washing over their minds. As if nothing could bring doubts or sway their composure as long as they... Persevere.
I am Perseverance.
I am what pushes the limits of limits itself.
My will shall forever withstand the test of time.
Behold, my eternal persistence.
As the two swords were brandished against each other, their blades began to vibrate without cause and rang a metallic hum that sang the melody of swords.
The swords rang in resonance with each other. As if they were communicating with each other. Talking to each other as if they were long lost siblings who hadn't seen each other for a long time.
"You wanted a Damocles duel, right?" asked Ben Li as he grabbed a long scabbard from nowhere and sheathed the Redemption within. Holding it with a backhanded grip above the left side of his hips. "Fine by me."
"Hmph. Well see who can draw the fastest between us!" Shao Zhang scoffed back while he concealed his excitement. He put the wine glass he was holding ever since, over Tyrant's table with telekinesis, and also pulled a scabbard from nowhere and sheathed Perseverance within.
Just like Ben Li, he also took a stance with his sword as he held it with a backhanded grip above the left side of his hips. Both, ready to draw anytime to decapitate each other.
Damocles Duel. A sword duel that beautifies the extreme time of instance.
In the battle between martial artist, speed determines the winner.
How fast can you exert strength?
How fast can you perform techniques?
How fast can you react?
How fast can you maneuver?
How fast can you attack?
How fast can you defend?
How fast can you perceive?
How fast can you breathe?
How fast can you discern?
How fast can you understand?
No matter what, speed is always key in capability. Determining only the absolute outcome from all possible outcomes. In the duel between experts, speed can only give you victory, or a chance to live tomorrow.
And this world's concept of martial arts had reached such profound levels that it had even touched the realm of space-time.
For instance, the extreme powers of time; Instance.
This duel called "Damocles Duel" was inspired by History's Number 1 Swordmaster when his sword art had reached an unfathomable level that it even stopped time... For an instant.
In that instant, he dominated the battlefield as his sword swept forward to the enemy. And vanquished them utterly.
Inspired by such great speed that it had surpassed the realm of Sword arts, the Damocles Duel was birthed to settle the disputes between fellow sword comrades by avoiding unnecessary environmental damages under a moment of instance.
In this duel, both duelists had to sheath their respective swords first and pose themselves ready.
They must not move where they stand and they must not certainly dodge when attacked. This is a rule that must not be broken or you lose.
Both duelists have a moment's time to analyze, deduce and discern the opponent's weakness by searching flaws that they can exploit and other such advantages.
Both duelists must only rely on their respective swords and only their swords alone. Anything else, like extra equipment or pills had been relied on will eliminate you for cheating.
And finally, both duelists mustn't kill each other unless agreed to. In regards to how they must cope with each other's attacks, they can only use their swords to parry or block.
Cultivation levels don't matter. The duel only exhibits their skills of both duelists performing in a mere instant.
Power means nothing in front of absolute speed.
Damocles Duel. The duel that separates you from death is the sword that hangs above by a hair's breadth.
Both Ben Li and Shao Zhang stood where they were 5 meters apart. Ready to draw their swords in an instant to spill blood.
Everyone around them watched the two silently and solemnly in excitement and apprehension. Silently anticipating when the needle will drop.
Within Ben Li's and Shao Zhang's gazes were flaws after flaws perceived from each other. Identifying what can be exploited and what can be predicted. Calculating their attacks as they refer again and again to their knowledges and experiences as powerful experts of martial arts.
Ben Li had been subtly about the script he has to play. And it turns out that having a Damocles Duel with Shao Zhang was an inevitable outcome.
Ben Li knew about Damocles duel. In fact, he was the very Author who wrote the concept itself.
He wrote it with the purpose to make Ling Xiufeng the king of speed. Dominating all Damocles duels transpiring in the novel as an undefeated champion of speed of his generation.
And now, Ben Li was going to experience the exhilaration of Damocles duel. How could he not be thrilled himself?
But despite being excited and all, he still couldn't help but feel nervous. After all, he was no Sword Cultivator in the first place. And he has only the memories and knowledges of Ming Jian Ming to rely on.
If it wasn't for the fact that he was facing off against a pervert who only wanted a painful experience, then he might have used all his wits to decline his challenge for a Damocles Duel.
But according to her memories and her script, Shao Zhang had a losing streak for 16 times in a row dueling against Ming Jian Ming, even the script said that Shao Zhang a moment later was going to suffer in defeat. So, relying on that fact, Ben Li was somewhat reassured but also doubted the Speed of his Volition.
If it were Ming Jian Ming taking care of it, she would have killed Shao Zhang over and over, breaking no sweat. But because Ben Li was the one in control, he had difficulty to process things fast enough and move with his volition quick enough.
And besides that, let's not forget that he was facing off against a Holy Saint Daoist who had cultivated his Sword arts as much as Ming Jian Ming did. And besides being a pervert, Shao Zhang was also the type to share his pain with other people. The type of people you don't want to mess with.
Ben Li might have realized how naive his decision was but, confidence began to build in his mind as he saw the flaws within Shao Zhang before him. And because of that, the chance of victory was within his reach.
But that also didn't mean he was going to underestimate his perverted opponent. In fact, he was also preparing to lose the duel himself.
And finally, the moment of preparing ends and the time finally came to determine the winner.
Time began to slow down rapidly to a standstill. Everyone and everything were frozen solid.
Lights and colors turned black and white.
Gravity lost all power and meaning.
Hearts stopped beating.
Air stopped moving.
Time stopped for an instant.
And the duelist had already drawn their swords.
Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Dang!!!
The moment when time began to resume, an intense metallic collisions rang and between the duelist as after-images of their swords and countless sword shadows danced ferociously before everyone, displaying sparks of breathtaking incandescence before finally stopping with both duelists pointing the tips of their blades at each other's throats.
"What happened? Who won?!"
"I couldn't even see how their swords went in and out. What amazing speed! This has already surpassed what we can comprehend!"
"So many sword attacks going all at once... No wonder that my uncle said that Damocles Duels are the true battles between experts! Truly amazing!"
The crowd burst into an uproar as they quietly observed both duelist's conditions and murmur under their breaths.
Both duelists looked fine physically. But a frown etched on their faces as they can clearly feel the painful backlashes from moving too fast than the mind could process.
Even as powerful Cultivators, the limitations of flesh are still affecting them. Only when achieving unfathomable heights in cultivation will they be able to discard their fleshly bodies and free themselves from physical pain.
And if one were to observe both duelists carefully, one must see that Ben Li had countless tiny scratches of cuts all over his face and clothing. Although tiny enough that it may seem insignificant to the hands eye, it was proof that he had taken such close calls in receiving the attacks from Shao Zhang.
And as for Shao Zhang, he had no tiny scratches on his body at all. Yet, there seems to be countless silver dust floating above his devil sharp hair. The silver dust seemed to have come from Ben Li's sword. And appeared to have done nothing as they float above his hair. Sparkling like tiny stars.
Eventually, Shao Zhang's immovable face, twitched for the first time and retracted his sword solemnly.
Then, as if timed perfectly, all his hair above his head, were cut into bits and pieces, revealing a shiny bald head belonging to a monastery monk.
"I have lost."
"""...OOOHHH!!!""" the crowd cheered in a frenzy.
Although they did not know what happened just happened. It was clear that Ben Li emerged victorious, for the 17th time in a row.
Acknowledging his defeat, Ben Li retracted his sword as well and with one simple swing, Redemption and Perseverance disappeared into thin air.
"Sir Ming, I will not forget this pain and humiliation. I will come back for a rematch." Shao Zhang spoke in a serious manner before Ben Li. Yet, he failed to hide the fact that he was still a pervert who enjoyed humiliation and pain combined as he walked away with the remaining of his dignity left. Leaving Ben Li shuddering in disgust as he suppressed his worst reactions.
MAY WE NEVER MEET AGAIN! Ben Li prayed to the Gods above.
As Shao Zhang walked away, he could not repel the Spiritual Awareness belonging to his comrades and had discovered his embarrassing wound as of yet.
Abashed by all this, he flickered away and disappeared into the void, leaving his comrades stifled and convulsing from cachinnation. Even the composed Tyrant could not control the spasm of his lips and looked at Ben Li in admiration.
'Not only did you cut his hair and converted him into a monk, you even cut off the symbol of his manhood as well?! Bro, you are one merciless son of a bitch! Tell me when you're pissed next time and I won't mess with ya!' All his comrades thought the same thing.